Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremy Bushnell.
Hi Jeremy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always known my life would be built around the sky. Growing up in Colorado Springs, the U.S. Air Force Academy was practically in my backyard, and I spent every free moment at the local airport watching airplanes take off and land. Aviation wasn’t just an interest—it was a calling.
That calling led me to pursue a career as a professional pilot. I began as a flight instructor, building hours and sharing my passion with others. Then one day, I got a phone call that changed everything: an invitation to interview for what I considered my dream job. At just 21 years old, I stepped into a role that took me further than I ever could have imagined.
Within six months, I was in Afghanistan, serving as a subject matter expert and contract pilot on some of the most advanced hardware the military operated. Over the next 8.5 years, I completed 24 overseas combat deployments, working alongside some of the finest Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen in the world. It was a wild, action-packed career, compressed into a short, intense chapter of my life.
When it came time to slow down, I turned back to the roots of my love for flying—the simple, raw art of aviation. In 2018, I purchased “Betty”, a 1943 PT-17 Stearman Biplane, once utilized by the U.S. Army Air Corps for pilot training in the days leading up to World War II. What began as a personal love affair with history and flight slowly evolved into something bigger: sharing that experience with others.
Today, I run Vintage Air Tours, a successful aviation tourism business in the Texas Coastal Bend, offering people the chance to experience aviation’s golden age. The transition from the hostility of flying in the Middle East to the hospitality of guiding tours in South Texas wasn’t something I ever envisioned—but here I am, grateful every day that my passion for aviation continues to connect me with people from all walks of life, honoring both veterans and enabling a future of flight for the next generation.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve always loved aviation, and one of my favorite ways to get involved early on was by volunteering at museums whenever I had free time. Those experiences gave me a front-row seat to history and connected me with incredible people, but they also brought some of the biggest hurdles I faced on the path to my dreams.
As a young pilot, I was no different than anyone else—I wanted to fly the cool airplanes. Museums often promised exciting opportunities in exchange for some sweat equity, which I was more than happy to give. But being “the kid” usually meant I was seen as the eager helper rather than the person ready to step into the cockpit. I poured myself into keeping airplanes flying and supporting flights for others, while watching from the sidelines as others got to fly. At times, it was frustrating to feel overlooked when all I wanted was a chance to prove myself.
What helped me move forward was a shift in mindset. Instead of focusing on what I wasn’t getting, I leaned into what I could learn. I asked questions, paid attention to every detail, and absorbed as much knowledge as possible. That patience and persistence sharpened my skills, built resilience, and ultimately motivated me to branch out on my own—to create opportunities not just for myself, but for others who share the same passion.
Looking back, being “the kid” was actually an advantage. It gave me a foundation of humility, grit, and appreciation for the work that goes on behind the scenes in aviation. More importantly, it taught me that recognition doesn’t always come right away—but if you stay prepared, persistent, and passionate, the payoff is worth it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Vintage Air Tours was built around a simple idea: sharing the magic of aviation’s golden age. We specialize in giving guests the rare opportunity to experience flight in historic aircraft, including our flagship—a 1943 Boeing Stearman biplane that once trained U.S. Army Air Corps pilots during World War II. For many people, stepping into that cockpit is like stepping back in time, where the romance of open-cockpit flying meets the thrill of seeing the Texas Coastal Bend from a perspective few ever get to enjoy.
What sets us apart is that we’re not just offering an airplane ride—we’re offering a living history experience. Our flights combine the joy of sightseeing with the storytelling of aviation heritage. Guests don’t just fly; they learn the aircraft’s history, feel the wind rushing past, and connect with a piece of Americana that shaped generations. We’ve found that people of all ages walk away not only thrilled but deeply inspired.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the reputation we’ve built for authenticity and hospitality. My own background as a professional pilot with military and international flying experience has shaped our standards of safety and professionalism, but it’s our passion for people that really defines us. From veterans reliving their training days to families experiencing their first-ever small-plane ride, our goal is always the same: to create memories that last a lifetime.
At its heart, Vintage Air Tours is about bridging history and adventure. We want readers to know that when they fly with us, they’re not just checking off a bucket-list item—they’re becoming part of aviation’s story. Whether it’s a scenic flight over Rockport, a special occasion celebration, or simply the desire to feel what it’s like to fly as pilots did in the 1940s, we make sure every flight is unforgettable.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Passion is Contagious
One of my mentors always told me, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” At the time, it sounded like a nice cliché—but over the course of my aviation journey, I’ve found it to be absolutely true.
Aviation has always been more than just a career for me—it’s been my calling. From volunteering at museums as a kid, to instructing students in their first takeoffs, to flying combat missions in some of the world’s most challenging environments, I’ve never seen it as “work.” Each step has been an opportunity to do what I love, and that passion has naturally spilled over into the people around me.
As an entrepreneur, I’ve seen how contagious that passion really is. When I talk to guests about the history of the Stearman, or when someone climbs out of the cockpit after their first open-cockpit flight, their excitement mirrors mine. It creates a ripple effect—my energy fuels their experience, and their joy reinforces why I do this. That cycle has become the heartbeat of Vintage Air Tours.
Passion has also been the compass guiding my decisions. When the path wasn’t easy—when I faced setbacks, doubts, or the uncertainty of starting a business—what carried me forward wasn’t just determination, but love for aviation itself. That’s what turns long hours into fulfilling ones, and challenges into opportunities.
In the end, my mentor was right. I may work harder now than I ever have, but it doesn’t feel like “work.” It feels like sharing a piece of myself—my passion for flight—with every person who steps into the cockpit. And when they walk away inspired, it proves that passion isn’t just powerful; it’s truly contagious.
Pricing:
- PT-17 Stearman Ride: $300
- PT-17 Aerobatic Experience: $600
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vintageairtours.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vintage_air_tours/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VintageAirToursSouthTexas/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Vintage_Air_Tours
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/WCBxj3DBxilOJJ6JJCu4LQ
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vintageairtours
